Dr. Gary Bowie, University of Lethbridge Professor Emeritus and long-time advocate of ending homelessness, is the new Chair of the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness.

"I am honoured to be working with Dr. Bowie. His depth of experience and insight into ending homelessness makes him the ideal person to guide the goals and vision of the Secretariat," says Jonathan Denis, minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. "I also want to thank former Chair Wayne Stewart for his outstanding work with the Secretariat."

Bowie has been working on homelessness issues for over a decade. As the former Chair of Social Housing in Action, he led a multi-sector community-initiative that developed a plan to end homelessness in the city of Lethbridge.

"I embrace this new opportunity and I look forward to taking on the challenges of finding ways to address specific issues such as preventing homelessness," says Bowie. "By working together with our community partners, we will fulfill our vision to end homelessness by implementing meaningful measures that transform the lives of homeless Albertans."

Two new members were also named to the board of the Secretariat. Mike Ellis is a Calgary police officer who has worked closely with homeless people and Patricia Mackenzie is a former Edmonton city councillor. Board member Jane Manning has been appointed to the position of Vice-Chair of the Secretariat.